Riveters

Riveters are workers who install rivets to join metal plates or other materials. Riveting relies on deforming the rivet body to form a second head on the opposite side, creating a permanent mechanical fastener. Rivets come in several types, with solid rivets requiring access to both sides of the joint, and blind rivets (pop rivets) that can be installed from one side.

Solid rivets are driven with a hammer and a bucking bar, or with pneumatic or hydraulic riveting tools. The rivet tail is deformed to create a second head, compressing and securing the joined materials. Blind rivets use a specialized tool that pulls the mandrel through the rivet body, expanding it and forming a secure joint without access to the rear side. Riveting requires preparation such as drilling and deburring holes, inserting the rivet, and ensuring proper alignment and clamping of parts. Riveting tools range from manual hand riveters to electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic riveters, and from simple bucking bars to more advanced setting equipment.

Historically, riveting played a central role in shipbuilding, bridges, and heavy construction. Hot riveting, where heated rivets were driven into place, was common in large steel structures and ships before welding and modern bolting methods became predominant. In aviation and aerospace, rivets were a mainstay of aircraft construction for much of the 20th century, with solid rivets still used in certain joints and high-strength applications. Today, riveters work across industries, and while new fasteners have emerged, riveting remains a reliable method for joining metal components, especially where welding is impractical or where disassembly is undesirable.